Fourteen women. Seven countries. Twelve languages. One shared heart – to love Jesus and share His story. We truly experienced the “fellowship of the Gospel.” The last time we prayed together, I heard the name “Jesus” spoken in five languages, our hearts united by the Spirit.
Leaders from Canada, France, Nigeria, South Africa, Switzerland, the United States, and Zimbabwe gathered for a historic meeting in October – the first time Stonecroft affiliates met to discuss how to enhance the evangelistic impact of ministries in our countries. Our first dinner together near the town of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, set the stage for subsequent meetings. We all marveled how instantly we became sisters, how it seemed we had known each other forever, how the bonds of love crossed any boundaries of border or background.
We already had communicated regularly through conference calls, but now, face-to-face, we truly started to know – and love – each other.
We shared ideas about how better to reach young women and women from other cultures with the Gospel, how to engage younger women in evangelism, and how to train and equip new generations to share the Gospel. We also discussed how to help some of our volunteers to refocus on evangelism, how to leverage the internet and social media to support evangelism, and how to raise funds for our ministries.
We talked. We learned. We laughed. And, best of all, we left with a renewed Holy Spirit conviction and commitment to share the Gospel personally and through each of our ministries.
The women who joined this group all left refreshed and renewed. Some of them shared their reflections about the meeting:
Unity Amid Diversity
“What amazed me was the unity within our hearts, the love of God, and we could feel the love for each to the other,” said Hanni from Switzerland. “We came from so different cultures, languages, and churches, but we were united through the faith in the Lord. This was wonderful.”
“God spoke through us all in His language of love for He is love. Love and unity just flowed,” added Moreen from Zimbabwe. “It was good … to know we are all working toward the same goal.”
Shared Challenges in Ministry
“I realized that even though we are from many different cultures, our problems are quite similar,” said Odile from Switzerland.
“It was very interesting that we face the same challenges in our countries,” Hanni noted. “I learned a lot from the experiences of others.”
Renewed Focus on Evangelism
“Even as leaders, we have to be regularly reminded of the importance of evangelization, the mission that the Lord entrusted us. The enemy is very active to keep us busy with so many other ‘good’ things,” Odile said.
“We need to remember, or go back to, the first vision or aim of our ministry, that is to bring the Gospel to the nonbelievers,” Hanni added. “(We need to) find new ways to get in touch with the younger generation. For this we need to let God fill our hearts with a new compassion for the lost.”
New Hope for the Future
“The Lord gave me the opportunity to know better great leaders, to share and learn from an incredible international team,” Odile said. “I realized our country is way behind in many areas. … It looks like a very high mountain, but … the Spirit reminded me that I don’t have to save the world – Jesus did it. I have to do my best with the gifts He gave me where I am and pray that He guides us in every new step we should take for His glory.”
Moreen commented: “I had lost hope for Stonecroft but am fully revived through prayer and wonderful devotions.”
Ready to See God Move
Victoria, a Stonecroft leader from Nigeria, beautifully summarized our meeting. “It was an insightful, thought-provoking, and purpose-driven trip,” she said. “We’re now set to be Spirit-activated and motivated for ministry like never before.”
I agree!
Please pray for these countries and for many others where volunteers use Stonecroft materials to share the Gospel. God is moving in the U.S. and abroad – awakening hearts of Christians to share the Gospel and of nonbelievers to seek Him. I am thrilled that I had the privilege of watching Him move through the hearts of all the women who attended this historic meeting. And I look forward to seeing how He continues to move through our evangelistic efforts.
To God be the glory!
Lorraine Potter Kalal
President and CEO